Coop and Run are Finally (almost) Done!

[BanoOmg]

My girlfriend and I have been working on this since November 2020. Off and on, so it took awhile, but we weren't ready for chicks anyway.

We built around an existing frame of a structure. It used to be a housing for some blueberry plants in a few raised beds, but it didn't work out. There was a thin frame covered in chicken wire with a lattice roof.

We added structural support, built a roof that will keep out rain, covered the cage in hardware cloth (including burying about 14" on all sides), foamed up all the gaps in the roof and frame and anywhere a villainous rodent could squeeze through.

I did my best to rat-proof the run. I know they'll probably eventually chew their way in sometime, but I wanted to make it difficult for them to start, and easy to find and fix when it does happen. I still need to put attach a piece of thin wood or metal or something to the inside of the run's entry door, so when I latch it all shut, it goes flush with the frame and seals that last gap (that I'm aware of). I need the gap there now, so I can run an extension cord and power the heat lamp.

The only thing I don't really like is that the run door opens inward. There are three latches on the outside that keep it secured when closed, so I think it will be okay. It's pretty sturdy when I put my body weight against it. The biggest predator I have to worry about here is a coyote, and I don't think they have the weight to smash it in. Fingers crossed.

Here are some pictures:


East side of run:

South side:

Entry:

Coop without doors:

Coop open doors:

Coop with closed doors:

Coop door latch:

Chicken ladder bracket (removable for easy run bedding cleaning)

I need to add more roosts to the run, and some to the coop. Other than that, it's done! Yay!

 

[BleuSaphir]

I think the coop inside is oddly shape. But the structure itself look great!

 

[BanoOmg]

Yeah, we went with a triangle shoved into a corner so they'd have more run space. That little hatch on the narrow side was put in well before I realized I wanted the whole front to open up for cleaning.

 

[TropicalBabies]

My girlfriend and I have been working on this since November 2020. Off and on, so it took awhile, but we weren't ready for chicks anyway.

We built around an existing frame of a structure. It used to be a housing for some blueberry plants in a few raised beds, but it didn't work out. There was a thin frame covered in chicken wire with a lattice roof.

We added structural support, built a roof that will keep out rain, covered the cage in hardware cloth (including burying about 14" on all sides), foamed up all the gaps in the roof and frame and anywhere a villainous rodent could squeeze through.

I did my best to rat-proof the run. I know they'll probably eventually chew their way in sometime, but I wanted to make it difficult for them to start, and easy to find and fix when it does happen. I still need to put attach a piece of thin wood or metal or something to the inside of the run's entry door, so when I latch it all shut, it goes flush with the frame and seals that last gap (that I'm aware of). I need the gap there now, so I can run an extension cord and power the heat lamp.

The only thing I don't really like is that the run door opens inward. There are three latches on the outside that keep it secured when closed, so I think it will be okay. It's pretty sturdy when I put my body weight against it. The biggest predator I have to worry about here is a coyote, and I don't think they have the weight to smash it in. Fingers crossed.

Here are some pictures:


East side of run:

South side:

Entry:

Coop without doors:

Coop open doors:

Coop with closed doors:

Coop door latch:

Chicken ladder bracket (removable for easy run bedding cleaning)

I need to add more roosts to the run, and some to the coop. Other than that, it's done! Yay!

Bravo! I think this totally does the trick and I get this one being I am also in a temperate climate. This looks perfect. I love how you though outside the box and did not square up your coop, seems this is a better use of space, pretty artsy and being they will spend most all of their time outside of the coop, darn smart.
You may want to leave your door swinging in. My personal experience is that I did an inside swing, when I expanded my run I switched it to an outside swing and what I found was my chooks were more likely to spill out- I had less control at keeping them in- and quickly switched it back for my sanity.
I think you are going to have fun adding on and subtracting as you grow and find what worked and did not, part of the deal and one of the best parts IMO- but what you have now is a very cute and functioning and safe coop and run. I look forward to seeing the occupants and hearing about your adventures! Have fun!!!

 

[BleuSaphir]

Yeah, we went with a triangle shoved into a corner so they'd have more run space. That little hatch on the narrow side was put in well before I realized I wanted the whole front to open up for cleaning.

How many you plan fo keep?

 

[BanoOmg]

How many you plan fo keep?

Eight, for now. Four pullets are already out there, and four more still need to grow out their feathers.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Might want to cut more openings into the coop part, especially the wall facing into the rest of the run - it's pretty dark in there, and you're in a hot climate. I wouldn't be surprised if the flock chose to sleep out in the run instead.

 

[BanoOmg]

Might want to cut more openings into the coop part, especially the wall facing into the rest of the run - it's pretty dark in there, and you're in a hot climate. I wouldn't be surprised if the flock chose to sleep out in the run instead.

We designed the run thinking they'd be sleeping out in it. I'm planning on the coop to be a shield from the wind and cold if needed, but mostly the place to lay eggs. It's open all around under the sides of the ceiling, minus where the crossbeams are. That narrow side is a mesh that lets in a little light. I did not realize the coop is supposed to be well-lit, but I did want lots of high-up ventilation in case they need to hang out in there longer than just to lay.

I guess it's like an open air style coop around a nest-box-isolator. Is there a huge downside to sleeping in the run? I know they're more visible to predators, but I'm confident the local fauna won't get through the hardware cloth and chicken wire shields!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I guess it's like an open air style coop around a nest-box-isolator. Is there a huge downside to sleeping in the run? I know they're more visible to predators, but I'm confident the local fauna won't get through the hardware cloth and chicken wire shields!

Ah ok. Nothing wrong with them sleeping in the run as long as you feel it's properly secured against potential predators in your area.

So do they free range during the day then, or is it simply free choice between inside the coop and the run area?

I was mainly concerned because with only 12 sq ft it was going to be impossible to get the current birds + the new birds all stuffed into there without a ton of fighting. (Nevermind this part, I confused your set up with another.)

 

[BanoOmg]

No free range, just coop and run. We'll do vigilant, supervised ranging when they're all laying age, but I don't think I'll be comfortable with them free ranging.

We have hawks and very sneaky, very brave coyotes. I'm trying my best to not feed them!